Mixolydian Pentatonic Blues Bass Line Ideas

In this lesson we’re going to take a look at some blues bass line ideas using the Mixolydian mode and major pentatonic scale (Mixo-Pentatonic). These are some common sounds that you hear in a lot of traditional blues bass lines.

Blues Bass Line – Performance

Before I get into the music theory and scales shapes, here’s a performance of the entire blues bass line.

(Video Bass Lesson 1 of 3)

Mixo-Pentatonic Blues Bass Line Tablature

Here’s the bass tablature for the blues bass line. You can download and print out the tablature for this lower on this page in the “Bass Lesson Downloads” section.

Blues Bass Line – Theory & Scales

Here we will take a look at the music theory and scales that make up this blues bass line.

(Video Bass Lesson 2 of 3)

The Mixolydian Mode

The first scale that’s used is the Mixolydian Mode. The Mixolydian Mode is build from the 5th degree of the major scale. So an A Mixolydian mode is build from the 5th degree of a D Major Scale.

A basic blues in the key of A is made up of 3 chords. A7(I), D7(IV) and E7(V). So you will use an A Mixolydian over the A7 chord, D Mixolydian over D7, and E Mixolydian over E7.

More Modal Blues Bass Ideas

About Brian Emmel

Brian Emmel has been teaching privately for over 20 years. Since graduating from the Musicians Institute in 1989, Brian has published multiple books and DVD’s for Hal Leonard. He also plays professionally for various artists in Nashville and L.A. and is a songwriter and producer. Brian is endorsed by GHS String Mfg. Visit Brian at BassGuitarClassroom.com